The Rub

It all comes down to the rub, it tells our story without words. This is the ritual that gives craft brewers direct contact with the magical flowers that will influence the flavor trajectory of their brews. Here's how it is performed:

Scoop up a handful of harvested and dried hops.

Give them a squeeze to note the quality of the drying process.

Rub your hands together to bring out the aromas that reside in the inner body of the hop flower.

Raise your hands up to your nose and inhale deeply.

This is a moment of suspense. What will our revered craft brewers say about this year's crop? Here is what we have heard: